Ministry Committees/Commissions

Revisions to the 'Advisory Handbook' on Preparing for Ministry

The handbook provides moderators, presbytery staff, and applicants with an overview of the process and resources, its intentions and goals. A new edition of the Advisory Handbook has been released to reflect amendments to the Book of Order approved by the presbyteries in 2017. The handbook is available as a free downloadable resource in PDF format. The latest revision is identifiable by the date "December 2017" and "Release 2.1" on the cover and copyright pages.

2011-2013 Advisory Handbook for Ministry Committees/Commissions

This handbook includes sections that are introductory to presbytery responsibilities (G-3.0307), offer guidance on particular functions of the work, and provide information and resources on a variety of topics. Each segment includes relevant Book of Order references, introductory information, questions for consideration of the designated presbytery body, and related resources.

Sampling of presbytery processes of examining candidates and ministers

Membership in "COM Matters"

If you are a COM member or COM staff and would like to participate in “COM Matters” the private PC(USA) meeting for exchange of wisdom related to Committees/Commissions of Ministry work, simply send an e-mail to Jake Souder, tell him your relation to COM, and ask to be added to the group.

Get help for coaching, consultation and spiritual direction

You know you want help — for yourself, your congregation, or a pastor or congregation with which you are working. What kind of help is needed?

A Spiritual Director? Coach? Consultant? Therapist?

What are they? How do you find one? How do you evaluate them for your situation and contract for their services?

We hope these printer-friendly information sheets will help you answer those questions and find the help you are seeking. They include:

Healthy Ministries: the goal of Committees/Commissions of Ministry work

The Committees/Commissions of Ministry’s primary responsibility is “to serve as pastor and counselor to the ministers and Certified Christian Educators of the presbytery, to facilitate the relations between congregations, ministers, and Certified Christian Educators, and the presbytery, and to settle difficulties on behalf of presbytery when possible and expedient.” (G-11.0501) The primary responsibilities of the COM are best fulfilled by fostering healthy ministries in the congregations of the presbytery.